Willow House: Singapore Oasis Brings the Outdoors In

By S.A. Rogers

If the lines between outdoors and in were any more blurred in this gorgeous greenery-laden Singapore home, it would be less of a residence and more of a public park. Willow House by Guz Architects has a wide-open floor plan that integrates ponds, swimming pools, shallow reflecting pools, and more than one ‘oculus’ allowing trees to grow from one level up to the next.

The home is contemporary yet harmonious with its natural surroundings in a minimal Zen-inspired style consisting of muted gray stone and warm wood contrasting with crisp black and white elements. The swimming pool has glass walls, making the cool blue-green of the water a major visual element when viewed from the lawn.

Outdoor lounge spaces look out onto islands of ferns in the water, cascades of vines, water fountains, and of course, several willow trees. The wood beams supporting the cantilevered roof mimic the shape of tree branches, and the roof itself is covered in lush greenery.

Contemporary Singaporean architecture is unique in both the nature-influenced style of the architecture itself and the way in which the tropical landscape is incorporated right into the home’s indoor/outdoor spaces. This home is reminiscent of the Wall House by FARM, which also has large round openings in the upper levels that make room for the growing branches of trees planted below.